QMI AGENCY

Detroit Red Wings assistant general manager has told the Montreal Canadiens thanks but no thanks.

Jim Nill, who has been with the Red Wings for 18 years, told MLive.com that he's taken himself out of the running to become the Habs' next general manager.

"I had two great talks with Montreal; I was interested, they were interested," Nill said. "But it's not the right time. "My goal is to become a general manager. There will be opportunities down the road."

The Canadiens got permission from Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch to talk to Nill, who has been an assistant GM under Ken Holland for 14 years, even though he doesn't have an out clause in his contract.